Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-08-18

have fallen TO the ground. -,
Night was fast approaching, ana Dlue
wreath of pistol smoke above their heads
was barely distinguishable in the twilight
"Are you hurt, sirp" 1t was The younger
one who spoke.
Al can't say; don't think so, answered
his companion. -
Lean on my arm; you seem weak. Inc
villain appears to be making good bis
escape" As the young man spoke he
looked down the thoroughfare, where the
fleeing figure of q man was dlscernlOle,
turning the corner of the next street.
You have saved my life," murmured
the old man, family; "but for your strong
hand and clear head would have fallen,
the victim OF an asSassin's bullet.
81 did knock up his arm at about the last
moment to have availed you. But what
could have been the object OF his murder
Gus assaultl"
"Robbery, make no doubt" replied the
old gentleman, "for I'm quite certain that
I've not an enemy in the world"
At this juncture one of those conserva-
tors of the peace, known as policemen.
entered upon the scene, and inquired who
had fired the shot.
"A large man, with a smooth face, and
dressed in dark clothes and stiff hat,
answered the old gentleman. Il can't give
you any better description, but l got agood
view of his face, and would know him
among thousand. lie attempted to take
my life, and but for the timely interference
of this brave young man, would doubtless
have succeeded. Report the matter at
headquarters at once, and have the detec-
tives set at work. You know where / live,
| don't you"
"Very we'll, indeed, Mr.. Hapgood, re-
| piled the officer, "and this gentleman"
"Can be found through me-" interrupted
the elder man. You will accompany me
home, my young frierd?"
Certainly, SIR" answered the young
man, "here, take my arm; you will walk
better, So"
Il can never properly thank you for what
you have done tonight" said Mr.. Hap
| good, as they walked slowly along.
Don't mention it. sir, beg of YOU"
But must mention 1t; you have saved
my life, and at the risk, the imminent risk
of your OWL expected to see the scoun-
drel shoot you. But you have not yet told
me your name"
"My name, sir, is Clifford, John Clifford,
and / am a clerk in the New York postof-
| fico. l live in Brooklyn with my aged
mother, and was on my way home when
| your cry for help attracted my attention,
and turned the corner just in time TO ar
| rest the murderer nand.
MIR. Clifford" said the old man earn
estly, 81 am pleased III you 10 find young
man struggling for Advancement in the
word. l have been through il oil and
know how to sympathize with you. But
here we are at my residence" And they
stopped in front of a stately, eld-fashioned d
mansion, with broad steps and q high
porch. "You must come in and dine with
me. wish 10 present You to my dnugh-
ter Alice, my only child, that she may join
me in thanking the man who has done me
such q noble service"
II thank you, Mr.. Hapgood," said Cliff
ford, bowling politely. but l fear must
decline your hospitality this tvening, and
postpone the pleasure of meeting your
daughter. The fnct is that my mother is
awaiting me. am always punctual in ar
irving home, and / fear II at she will be
much worried IL / am long delayed. It's
very awkward, sir, and am very sony"
"No, sir, broke in Mr.. Hapgood, "it Is
not awkward. 1t is fit and proper. Filial
affection is the noblest thing in our impor-
feet natures. 1 have daughter who loves
me, and can appreciate your feelings. Go
10 your home and the supper your loving
mother has prepared for you; you will no
doubt enjoy il better than you would my
fine dinner. But you must warn your
mother not TO expect you home early to-
morrow, as you must dine and spend the
evening with me. Go now. as / would not
for the world cause the worthy lady mo-
ments anxiety"
Thank you, sir. 1 will call at this hour
tomorrow. Good evening"" And, stalking
Mr.. Hapgoods hand, Clifford hurried
away.
A month later, young man of abou
six -and-twenty, large and finely formed
with a handsome, intellectual face, Harry
Winters by name, was seated in Mr.. Hap.
goods elegant parlor.
"Good morning, Harry" said the ownei
Of the mansion, abruptly entering the
apartment.
Good morning, SIR" said the young
man, rising and advancing. II have called
10 beg moments conversation with you
in private"
Certainly. Harry; come into the library,
said Mr.. Hapgood, entering that apart
ment, and motioning the young man TO .
seat near him.
Mr.. Hapgood," began Harry, IL have
known you from my boyhood, and for five
years have been a constant visitor nc youi
house. In these five years your daughter
has grown from q winsome child 10 beau.
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